Spain & Portugal

This tour is a perfect opportunity to see both countires of an Iberian Peninsula - Spain and Portugal.

First, it's a perfect week in the Southern Spain. You'll start from Madrid and will head to Andalusia, and the first few days will be dedicated to the best highlights of the Spanish South. You'll be taken into the heart of it, to the cities that form the ''golden triangle'' and are truly the essence of spirit of Spanish culture - Cordoba, Granada and Seville. Guitars, flamenco, wine, tapas, and passionate people - those are just some of the features Andalusia is known and famous for. With its curious mishmash of Moorish majesty and Roman relics, rustic charm and indelibly beautiful back country, where mountains tower above gushing rivers and canyons carve through the ground, it's hardly surprising that Andalusia remains one of the most visited regions in Spain.

With the next step you'll be relocating to Portugal, with its ancient town of Evora, pilgrimage center of Fatima, one of the country's most romantic town Obidos and majestic and splendid capital of Portugal - Losbon. Add here bewautiful sights of National Park of Sintra and the ''end of Europe'' Cabo da Roca - and you'll get an unforgettable mix of impressions. 

Day 1. Arrival to Madrid

Meet 'n' Greet in the airport by our representative in the airport.

Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Check-in. 

Free evening to enjoy the city on your own.  

Day 2. Madrid

Breakfast in the hotel. Pick up for a private full day (8h) city tour, both on bus and walking. Some of the main highlights you will see, include:

• Royal Palace: Spain’s Royal Palace is one of the largest in Europe, and visitors are sure to be in awe of the regal columns, gold decor and extensive number of statues outside. The interior is equally impressive, with a collection of court paintings, frescoes and even a Stradivarius collection. Entrance tickets are included.
• Gran Via: known for its bright lights and shopping, Calle Gran Vía is one of Madrid’s most famous streets. The ''Fifth Avenue'' of the city, you’ll be able to find anything you need, including restaurants, stores and many of the city’s renowned theatres.
• Plaza Espana: famous for its statue of Miguel Cervantes, the Plaza España is located just off the famous Gran Vía street and near the Royal Palace. Built in the early 1900s, the city of Madrid has recently voted on reforming the Plaza, which will soon incorporate  greater number of trees and flowers for city-dwellers and tourists to enjoy.
• Plaza Mayor: one of the most breathtaking sites in Spain, this plaza has 237 balconies facing the center of the square, where a statue of King Felipe III on his horse sits pretty. Dating back to the 1600s, the Plaza Mayor is now a site of outdoor cafes and restaurants where wandering tourists can relax, enjoy a drink and soak up the fantastic atmosphere.
• Puerta Del Sol: one of the best known and busiest locations in Spain, this public square is the perfect meeting place to start exploring Madrid. With the famous Tio Pepe sign, the emblematic bear statue and a beautiful clock tower, this plaza (originally one of the gates in the city wall during the 15th century) is not to be missed.
• Mercado San Miguel: famous for its cast-iron columns and many market stalls featuring Spanish culinary delights, the Mercado de San Miguel is a dream for visiting foodies. Sample Iberian ham, Manchego cheese or simply wander past the stalls and admire the huge range of delicious foods on display.
• Templo de Debod: although this temple dates back to the 2nd century BC, it was gifted to Spain and moved to its current location in Madrid in 1968. While it may seem odd to see an Egyptian statue in the middle of a European city, the Templo de Debod is one of Madrid’s most beloved attractions.
• Santiago Bernabeu Stadium: home of legendary Real Madrid football club (from outside).

Day 3. Madrid - Toledo - Cordoba

Breakfast, then transfer towards Andalusia, with the first stop in Toledo, with a 3h walking tour.   

Toledo is an incredibly cultural city; it has seen numerous cultures and dynasties pass through its walls, as well as wars, royalty, and artists. The legacy it guards is an essential part of Spanish culture so visiting Toledo is bound to be a unique experience. Discover the best sights:

• Mirador del Valle. Enjoy spectaculars view of Toledo from the splendid Mirador del Valle, a fantastic viewpoint where one can view the entire city. There are magnificent views of the river, the imposing Alcázar, the tiny winding streets and the Cathedral.
• Toledo’s Cathedral is one of the most important places to visit in this beautiful city. It is a grand monument built in Gothic style with obvious French influence. Some scholars believe it is the most impressive building built in this particular style in the entire country. It was completed toward the end of the 15th century, over 200 years after construction began. There are several masses each day. Tickets and a tour inside are included.
• The Juderia district (Jewish Quarter). The Juderia district is what used to be the city’s Jewish quarter, and nowadays is one of the most beautiful parts of the city with some excellently preserved buildings. Translating to ''the city of the Jews'', a tour through the Juderia will enable visitors to learn what life was like under Muslim and Christian rule. 
• The Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes is a Franciscan church that was built under the reign of Elizabeth of Castile, one of Spain’s most powerful queens. The church was built with the intention of being used as the royal mausoleum. The building is a breathtaking example of the Elizabethan-Gothic style that was predominant in Spain under the monarch’s reign. It was also meant to serve as a memorial for a recent military victory, the Batalla del Toro. It is a long, narrow structure, with many chapels decorating the sides. The ceiling is particularly remarkable as it was designed in the mudéjar style, with clear Arab influence.
• La Puerta de Bisagra is a magnificent structure that provides access to the city. The Puerta de Bisagra was originally built by the Arabs when they inhabited the city during the last few centuries before the first millennium. It was reconstructed in the 16th century but some of the original structure can still be seen today. The name comes from the Arabic, ‘Bab-Shagra’, meaning something along the lines of ‘the door, that leads to the field’. The exterior is composed of an arch of triumph, accompanied by two beautiful semi-circular towers, and crowned by the city’s imperial coat of arms.
• Cross the Puente de San Martín - this medieval bridge was built over the Tajo river and is one of Toledo’s symbols. From the bridge, we have an excellent panorama of the old town.

Day 4. Cordoba - Granada

Breakfast, followed by a walking city tour around Cordoba - a beautiful ancient town in Andalusia as well as one of Spain's most famous historical monuments. You will a proper tour through its historic center - conspicuously charming place, with its patios and courtyards, decorated with pots of aromatic jasmine and geraniums and walk narrow, winding streets, lined with what must be some of the prettiest and most colorful houses in southern Spain. And of course you will enter the Mosque-Cathedral - the greatest dual-identity monument in Spain.

• Mosque-Cathedral. Originally there was a Roman temple on this site, but it was replaced by a Christian church during the Visigoth era. After the Moors captured Córdoba in 711, the church was split in two and used by both Christians and Muslims as a place of worship. But the reign of religious pluralism in Córdoba didn’t last long: in 784, on the orders of the Emir Abd al-Rahman, the church was destroyed and work on a great mosque began. Construction lasted for over two centuries and, when the building was completed in 987, Córdoba’s mosque was the largest in the Islamic kingdom, save only for that of Kaaba in Arabia. When the city was reclaimed by Christians in 1236, the mosque was converted into a church and in the 16th century Charles V added a great Renaissance nave right on top of the original Moorish structure. The mosque’s most-photographed aspect is its vast main hall, which is supported by over 850 double-arched columns. Sunlight and shadows create unusual effects as you wander among them, contemplating the multifaceted history of this great building.
• Extending in a tangle of cobbled streets and squares to the north of the Mosque-Cathedral is Juderia - the city’s former Jewish quarter. This is a great area to stop for lunch, packed as it is with smart restaurants as well as superb no-frills tapas bars.

In the afternoon you will be transferred to another gem of Andalusia - Granada.

Arrival, check in and a free evening.  

Day 5. Granada

Breakfast, then transfer to Granada. Granada is a beautiful city right at the foot of the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains. The popular favorite of the region of Andalusia, Granada has a rich history, fantastic range of sites to see, and a bustling nightlife. With Arab influences and Spanish charm, there is plenty of culture and history to explore here. Upon arrival you'll have a guided tour to see famous complex of La Alhambra, its Arabian palaces Nazaries, and its green and picturesque Generalife Gardens.

• Alhambra is definitely number one on the list of unmissable things to see in Granada, and the most visited sight in the whole Spain. The world-renowned Alhambra gets its name from the Arabic for ''Red Castle'', and has been poetically described as the place where the air is clear and the fresh water from the mountains reaches. Partly palace, partly fort, the Alhambra is now a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts spectacular medieval architecture which captivates its thousands of visitors. It tends to get quite crowded, given its magical nature, with around 6,000 visitors a day, but its beauty can be appreciated even in the busiest of moments.
• Albaicín - another UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of the city of Granada, Albaicín is a district of the city boasting narrow winding streets that have stood here since its medieval Moorish era. Often described as a different world inside Granada, the strong Muslim influence makes Albaicín somewhat of an open-air museum. After touring the narrow and characterful streets to experience the charm of the past, you can relax in one of its many bars and terraces and enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Alhambra.

In the evening enjoy free tapas ''culture'' in Granada. Tapas (an appetizer or snack in Spanish) is certainly one of the first things that comes to mind whenever Spain is mentioned, and Granada is probably the city most renowned for its popular tradition of free tapas. With the fantastic ''buy a drink, get free tapas'' phenomenon, this timely Spanish tradition is even more popular here. With countless numbers of bars and tapas restaurants, you'll certainly be left with plenty of choice of where to get these tempting little snacks. Offering everything from gourmet and international tapas like sushi and caviar, to traditional Spanish jamón (dry-cured ham), you can’t leave Granada without experiencing this culinary delight.

Another night in Granada. 

Day 6. Granada - Ronda - Seville

Breakfast. Transfer and a first stop in beautiful town of Ronda. Steeped in dark myths and bullfighting folklore, whilst boasting one of the most extraordinary locations in Spain, it is no wonder that Ronda has become Andalusia’s third most visited place. With its world-famous New Bridge and bullring, as well as the hidden corners of the gorge on top of which it perches, Ronda will definetely not disappoint. In Ronda you will have a free time to explore the main highlights of this beautiful town.

• Puente Nuevo (the New Bridge) - one of southern Spain’s most famous attractions, Ronda’s epic bridge, spans the 100m-deep El Tajo gorge, connecting El Mercadillo (The Little Market) - the newer part of town, with La Ciudad (The Town) - the old Moorish quarter. The bridge was completed in 1793, and it took some forty years and the lives of 50 construction workers to build.
• Puente Viejo (Old Bridge) - is the more notable of the two crossings that the gigantic Puente Nuevo was built to improve upon. Comprising a single stone archway, this early 17th-century structure is reached by strolling down through the beautiful Jardines de Cuenca (Cuenca’s Gardens), and from its center, there are some spectacular views of the countryside beyond Ronda.
• Bullring - simply the largest (by diameter!) bullfight ring in the world.
• Old and New Town - El Tajo canyon not only rendered necessary Ronda’s most iconic attraction, it also divides the town into two separate halves, each with its own style and atmosphere. La Ciudad (or The ''Town'') - is the original Moorish part and weaves around one central Street - Calle Armiñan, south of Puente Nuevo. On the northern cliffs of El Tajo is the more commercial part of town, known as El Mercadillo (The Little Market).

After the tour and some free time in Ronda we will continue to Seville.

Arrival, accommodation and an overnight.

Day 7. Seville

Breakfast in the hotel, then a transfer to proper city tour throughout Seville with a local guide, to admire this beautiful and also the largest city of Southern Spain. With a numerous sights and attractions, this city will never leave visitors stuck for choice. Main highlights of the tour:

• Plaza de España was built as a centerpiece for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition. Described as one of Seville’s most impressive sights, this plaza (square) measures at 50,000 sq. meters. Only a twenty-minute walk from Seville Cathedral, this is one of Seville's more popular locations and with a canal measuring 500 meters, the plaza is known as ''the Venice of Seville''. It is a magnificent sight and a must see, with its colored ceramics and 48 tiled alcoves, each representing a different province of Spain. This place is not only popular with tourists and visitors as it has been used for the location of a number of films including Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars.
• Maria Luisa Park acted as the site of the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929. Filled with orange trees, palm trees and flower beds, it is the perfect place to unwind. With a number of colorfully tiled benches and fountains erected in a Moorish style, this park brings a touch of the exotic to the city. It is surrounded by a number of historic sites and wonderful architectural buildings which allows visitors to indirectly appreciate the beauty of Seville.
• Seville’s Cathedral is one of the largest in the world. It stands at an enormous 126 meters long and 83 meters wide with a ceiling height of 37 meters. The classical exterior draws visitors into an equally impressive interior. For example, the main alter piece, consists of 36 gilded panels, gently glimmering through the space. Globe-trotters can also pay their own homage to one of the world’s greatest travelers – this monumental building holds the sarcophagus of Christopher Columbus. During the tour we will see the Cathedral from outside.
• Barrio Santa Cruz - Seville’s most famous area and a former Jewish Quarter. Its unfeasibly narrow streets, white houses, secret squares and small churches creates an unforgettable atmosphere, just enjoy it.

After the city tour you will have the afternoon off to rest or explore more on your own.

Second night in Seville.

Day 8. Seville - Evora - Lisbon

Breakfast as usual. This day we will leave the Spain and enter the other country of the Iberian Peninsula - Portugal, which is the home to some of Europe's most beautiful destinations, including the capital - Lisbon, the fairytale town of Sintra, and medieval Evora (which all you will see).

The first stop with a detailed tour we'll do at Evora. 

• Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Évora is known as a ''city-museu'' filled with culturally significant landmarks and marked with a notable history. It is also the Alentejo’s regional capital and largest city. There is plenty to see and do to fill up a day of exploring, including visiting the eerily stunning Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos), snapping photos of the ancient Roman Temple, touring the Royal Palace, and enjoying a drink, lunch or coffee in the central square.

Towards the evening we'll continue to majestic capital of Portugal - Lisbon. 

Arrival, check in and first night in Lisbon.

Day 9. Lisbon

Breakfast, followed by a city tour around Lisbon with a local guide. Lisbon offers a rich and varied history, a buzzing nightlife and is blessed with a glorious year-round climate. It is a bustling and exciting city, that boasts a wide choice of activities and fascinating tourist attractions. The city has a welcoming atmosphere, while still embracing its deep-rooted heritage and extensive history. Some of the highlights of the tour:

• Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries) - this 50m tall sculpture is a monument to the Portuguese ''Era of Discovery'' and to ‘’Henry the Navigator’’, Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan - total of 33 statues line the sides of the monument, each representing an important figure from that epoch: monarchs, cartographers, and scientists stand alongside explorers, artists, and missionaries.
• Belem Tower. The Torre de Belém was built in the 16th century as a military fortress and ceremonial entrance to the city. And yet, despite its primary function as a defensive structure, the tower’s delicate ornamentation, which includes arcaded windows, intricate sculptures and Moorish-style watchtowers, make it a real architectural marvel.
• Jeronimos Monastery. The undisputed highlight is the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Construction of this former monastery began in 1501 and, as designs became increasingly elaborate (fueled by trade with Asia), it eventually took nearly a hundred years to complete. Today, it stands as a testament to the prosperity of Lisbon at the height of the Portuguese empire. Check out its impressive cloisters, replete with ornate sculptural details and masterful stonework, and pay your respects to the major historical figures buried here, including Vasco da Gama and celebrated poet Luís de Camões. Entrance and tour inside.
• Alfama Quarter. A maze of narrow, winding streets, Lisbon's Alfama quarter is the oldest and most historical part of the Portuguese capital, having survived the great earthquake and subsequent fires and tidal waves of 1755 almost intact. Mostly traffic-free these days except for the occasional 100-year-old tram creaking and rattling through, this ancient labyrinth of twisting lanes and cobbled stairways is in many ways the heart and soul of the Portuguese capital.

Enjoy an evening in Lisbon on your own. Please do not miss on opportuntiy to try famous pastel de nata (egg tart) - local culinary's iconic pastry, who's recipe dates back to the 16th century. You can buy it in any coffee/bakery shop. 

Free evening and a second night in Lisbon. 

Day 10. Lisbon - Sintra - Cabo da Roca 

Breakfast in the hotel, then a full day tour to beautiful suburs of Lisbon - Sintra National Park, with a visit to a gourgeous Pena Palace. Highlights of the day:

• Sintra, is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the country and for good reason. With its curved mountains, dewy forests, exotic gardens and glittering palaces, Sintra is like a page torn straight from a fairytale storybook.
• Sintra’s glorious technicolour Pena Palace is perched atop the cobbled, rocky peaks of Sintra Mountain and inspired by German Romantic architecture, its ornamental buttresses, twin chimneys and cartoonish gargoyles make it resemble a Disney Castle. Get lost exploring the eccentric Moorish-Manueline designed interiors, its elaborate tile work and colourful history where each room dazzles brighter than the last.
• Cabo da Roco s a cape which forms the westernmost point of the Sintra Mountain Range, of mainland Portugal, of continental Europe, and of the Eurasian land mass.

Free evening and a night in Lisbon. 

Day 11. Lisbon - fly out

Breakfast, then transfer to the airport.